Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 1980s

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 1980s
DistilleryGlen SpeyJohnnie Walker
RegionSpeysideOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV50.4%40%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£133.99£99
Rating5.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner60/100
Value37/100

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 1980s

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 1980s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 1980s is better value at £99 vs £134.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 1980s is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £99)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 1980s

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£99 vs £133.99)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 1980s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

VanillaOld Wood

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricHoney

Only Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old - 1980s

SmokeyToasted

Explore more